Why You Need to Extend OSHC and OVHC with Visa Renewal?

Australia has strict requirements regarding health insurance for international visitors. If you are on a student visa, you must maintain OSHC for international students for the entire duration of your visa. Similarly, other temporary visa holders may be required to maintain OVHC.

Failing to extend or renew your health cover in line with your visa dates can cause:

• Visa processing delays: If your cover does not match your new visa period, your renewal application may be incomplete.
• Risk of non-compliance: Not having valid OSHC or OVHC is considered a breach of visa conditions.
• Financial strain: Without cover, you risk paying the full cost of medical treatment, which can be extremely high in Australia.

To stay compliant and protected, it’s important to align your health insurance policy with your updated visa duration.

OSHC for International Students

International students must maintain OSHC for the full visa period. This health cover ensures that you can access essential medical services at affordable rates while studying in Australia.

When applying for a new student visa or renewing an existing one, the Department of Home Affairs requires you to show proof of ongoing OSHC coverage. If your policy expires before your new visa end date, you must extend it.

Key Benefits of OSHC:

• Covers visits to doctors and specialists
• Access to hospital services
• Helps with the cost of prescription medicines
• Some policies may include ambulance cover

OVHC for Other Temporary Visa Holders

If you’re in Australia on a work, visitor, or bridging visa, you may need OVHC (Overseas Visitor Health Cover). Like OSHC, OVHC ensures you have access to medical care while in Australia and helps meet visa requirements.

When renewing your visa, extending OVHC is equally important. Without it, your application may be delayed, and you risk being left uninsured.

How to Extend OSHC and OVHC During Visa Renewal?

Extending your policy is a straightforward process, but it requires careful timing and planning:

1. Check Your Current Policy End Date: Review your existing OSHC or OVHC policy and note the expiration date.
2. Review Your New Visa Dates: The Department of Home Affairs usually provides details on how long your new visa will be valid. Your health cover must match these dates.
3. Compare OSHC Policies and OVHC Options: Before extending, take the time to compare OSHC policies to ensure you’re getting the right level of cover at the best price.
4. Buy OSHC Online or Extend Your Current Policy: Today, it’s simple to buy OSHC online or extend your existing coverage with just a few clicks. Make sure your new policy covers the entire visa duration.
5. Submit Updated Health Cover Details with Your Visa Application: When renewing your visa, attach the updated OSHC or OVHC certificate to avoid delays in processing.

Tips for Buying OSHC in Australia

When purchasing OSHC, here are some practical tips to ensure you get the best coverage:

• Understand your needs: If you’re a student, OSHC is compulsory, but you can choose between basic and comprehensive options.
• Compare OSHC policies: Look at coverage inclusions, exclusions, and costs before deciding.
• Check visa requirements: Ensure your policy duration aligns exactly with your visa.
• Buy OSHC online: Purchasing online is fast, secure, and gives you instant access to your certificate, which you can use for your visa application.